The beginning really drew me in. When the story reverted back to present day it went in a different direction than I expected. At one point I started to lose interest. The last 15% got good again and I liked how it ended.

From the very first sentence of this story, I knew that this was going to be a five star read for me.

Here is another one I really don’t want to give too much away about. I think if you are a fan of romance, women’s fictions, and magical realism, I highly, HIGHLY recommend this one.

Lauren Kate knows how to write characters that are vulnerable and hilarious and honest. I found myself loving Fenny from page one. The way this story unfolds really had me turning the pages and I found the premise to be one that really, really resonated with me and will stick with me for some time.

Just go into this one blind. You really won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a digital ARC of The Spirit of Love.

First off, like other reviewers said, GO IN BLIND. The back cover gives everything away, even though it's pretty easy to pick up on.

I ate this up! The writing was so well done, it was easy to get lost in the story. I love a good magical realism and this one didn't disappoint! I binged this in two days and was crying in the end. Loved it!

The Spirit of Love is a romance draped in magic and mystery. It is hard to really explain without giving much away.

Fenny has been a writer for years and has now been promised the chance to direct. She then finds she has been replaced by a man named Jude who looks almost exactly like Sam, a man she had a romantic tangle with. Jude looks older and greyer but it must be him. He doesn't recognize her at all.

The book intertwines two storylines with Fenny falling in love in both. I really liked the concept but it moved a little slow for me.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the sort of time travel twisty plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the e-ARC. This review is my own opinion.

The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate was the story of Fenny, who finally earns her dream and is going to direct the TV show she has been a screenwriter on for ten years! Or is she? When she meets Jude and finds out he has replaced her, she is floored. But even more so, he looks just like Sam, a man she met the prior weekend. There are subtle difference, but they could be the same person! Are they? I really enjoyed this book and the way the author wrote this plotline. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Lauren Kate’s *The Spirit of Love* is a dreamy, magical realism romance. The writing lyrical and it’s perfect for readers who love their love stories wrapped in a bit of mystery and magic!

However, while the writing itself was beautiful, the plot often felt slower so I found it hard to stay fully immersed in the story. The love story is tender and soft, but the pacing was off - no what I expected from a love story spanning different timelines.

honestly the story was sweet but way the story ended left me with more questions than the closure I was looking for!

**Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC and chance to read and review. All opinions are my own**

The Spirit of Love follows Fenny, a top writer of the hit show Zombie Hospital who is about to see her dreams to be a director come true. She's worked hard for this, climbing the studio ladder and working closely with the cast to finally secure her spot as the next season's director. But when her a**hole boss brings in hot-shot Hollywood A24-esque movie director Jude, Fenny is flabbergasted for several reasons: What happened to her directing career and plans? What changed? Why is this the first time Fenny is hearing about this? Why does this hot-shot new director look a whole lot like Fenny's summer fling, Sam, that she just spent the weekend with??? Jude has no idea who Fenny is, and he is confounded by the cold shoulder Fenny gives him. As Fenny and Jude grow closer, Fenny can't help but think about her fling with Sam.

Overall, I really liked this story. I liked that it didn't feel like a magical realism book, but instead had magical elements that were seamlessly woven into the story. I also really liked reading about Fenny's "love" stories with both Sam and Jude. Even though they are the same person, I felt like I was in a love triangle alongside Fenny, and I understood why she was feeling conflicted. It was so fun reading about Fenny's career as a writer and aspiring director for a hit TV show. Even though I've never experienced it myself, it felt real and I found myself rooting for Fenny. I loved the cast of side characters too, from Edie to Aurora to Olivia and Masha. I thought these characters were pretty well developed and their presence added to the overall story vs. detracted from it.

My gripe with this novel was the ending. We finally received an answer to why Sam and Jude seem like the same person, but then the story ends. We don't get real closure on the aftermath of this discovery, not to mention what happens with Fenny's directorial debut. We spend so much of the story following Fenny through her ups and downs of trying to prove herself as a director, but we barely see that come to fruition. And what about her A-hole boss? Does Fenny become a successful director? I thought we could have spent more time diving into Jude's past and how he got to where he is today. Tania seems like a plot device thrown in to create fake conflict, and her "real" identity was confusing and didn't add anything to the story. I wish more time was spent on explaining how Sam/Jude "split," why Sam continued to exist, how Sam was a ghost but a real person and also Jude, and why Jude had to "resolve unfinished business" after his near-death experience while Fenny didn’t. Again, a lot of the book revolves around Fenny having a near-death experience as a child and how it's impacted her life and her relationships since, but the ending of the book doesn't tie anything back to that.

Despite my critiques with how the ending of the story unfolded, I would still recommend if you're looking for a whimsical, summer read!

This was such a great romance novel! I adored the time-slip plot (it kind of reminded me of The Seven Year Slip, which is one of my favourite romances), and I thought this was a fun, emotional, and entertaining read. Fenny and Jude were both very realistic characters, and I was really drawn to both of them. They had great chemistry, and I was really rooting for them! I also really enjoyed the plot, which was very fast-paced. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down! I had such a great time with this book. Overall, I would recommend this book and will definitely be looking into Lauren Kate's other romances :)

I loved this!! It was so fast-paced that I flew through it in one sitting. The characters were delightful, the writing was sharp, and the I laughed out loud multiple times. If that doesn't make for a perfect book, I don't know what does.
The relationship between Fenny and Sam was fascinating to read about.

The synopsis and the start of the story do not do this beautiful book justice. It is not all about the physical aspect like it seems to hint at. Hang on until chapter two and you’ll never put it down. And I thought I was swooning after Fenny’s camping trip at the start of the book but that was nothing compared to how I felt later on

“It’s like a well I want to drink from forever and never run out.”

Ugh. My heart. I’m swooning!! What in the world did I just read? A love letter for my soul? The most beautiful story. I am sad to leave, but my heart is spilling over with goodness right now!

I can’t say more or I’ll ruin it for you. Thank you Lauren Kate for this wonderful book.

Thank you Putnam Books for the ARC via NetGalley, all opinions are my own!

This was weirdly surprising! The summary really hooked my interest and once I started reading, I NEEDED to know how the magical realism was going to tie all together. Lauren Kate does a great job in reeling us in and keeping us interested because the answer to everything is literally at the very end. I enjoyed the seriousness and how it tugged at my heart strings but I loved that I giggled at the banter too. For my first book by this author, I’m very pleased. I can’t wait to dive in to her romantasy books!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Putnam for the arc in exchanged for my honest review.

Lauren Kate first stole my heart with the unforgettable story of Lanie and Noah in By Any Other Name. So when I had the chance to dive into another of her books, I jumped at it. Unfortunately, the same magic that drew me in before was missing from The Spirit of Love. Don’t get me wrong - the connection between the characters, their development, and the overall adoration for Sam and Jude are all present. But the plot itself didn’t pull me in as strongly, largely because the outcome is more or less revealed in the book synopsis. Honestly, this could have been a solid four-star read if the summary hadn’t spoiled the big twist. So, here’s my advice for anyone interested: absolutely do not read the synopsis. You’ll have a completely different - and much better - experience if you go in blind.

Fenny can’t believe her dreams are finally within reach. After a weekend away, she’ll begin her new life as a director, having spent years writing for the hit show Zombie Hospital. But first, she just needs to get into the right frame of mind, courtesy of a secluded weekend in Catalina. Her plans take a sharp turn when a terrible storm rolls in on the campsite, and she’s unwillingly rescued by Sam. Determined to send her mysterious hero - who responded to a flare she didn’t send - on his way, she soon learns just how dire her situation really was. Sam saves her life not once but twice as they make it to safety. What should have been a brief encounter between strangers quickly turns into a passionate weekend, but it dissolves into a fling when Sam sidesteps her attempts to stay connected and Fenny is pulled back to reality. Convinced she’ll never see him again, Fenny is stunned when Sam walks into her producer’s office - except now he’s ten years older, goes by Jude, and is taking her director job! Fenny has no idea what’s going on, but the more time she spends with Jude, the more convinced she is that something bigger is at play - and that she’s the key.

To be honest, I’m not really sure what the intended takeaway from this story is. Both Fenny and Jude felt lost and searching, drifting through what some would call an existential crisis. Jude constantly feels like something is missing, while Fenny believes she knows what will make her whole - only to discover that achieving her dream still leaves her feeling incomplete.

Curiosity kept me turning the pages, but there wasn’t a clear sense of direction. The novel unfolds almost like a “day in the life” of Fenny: we follow her at work, with friends and family, and through her complicated relationship with Jude, which moves from enemies to friends to infatuation. As things progress, I couldn’t shake the feeling of “what’s the point of all this?” Even at 80%, starting Part Three, I still didn’t know where the story was going. Part One focuses on Fenny’s connection with Sam; Part Two shifts to Jude.

With only 9% left, I found myself asking, “Where is this going?” I was worried everything would be rushed at the end after so much buildup - and that’s exactly what happened. After twenty-five chapters of setup, everything is resolved in the final two, and then the story just ends. So many questions remain unanswered.

In the end, I felt like there was so much untapped potential. I wanted more clarity, more meaning, and more of the special sauce that Lauren Kate is so capable of delivering. With that being said, I understand this book dabbles in the realm of fantasy and magic, which often require a certain willingness to “just go with it.” Maybe that’s where I asked for more than the book intended to deliver- perhaps the mystic elements are meant to satisfy the unexplainable. If that is the case, this book is perfect for someone who just wants a "feel good read" with an HEA.

I had to DNF this one. I made it to about 100 pages and couldn’t continue. Very slow for me. And I couldn’t connect to the writing

Rating: 4.5 Stars

In order to center herself before her big directing debut, Fenny goes on a weekend getaway to Catalina. She expected to enjoy some solitude, but found herself in a dangerous storm. Not to fear, as Sam, a young and attractive Search and Rescue responder, came to her aid. Fenny could not fight the attraction between them and enjoyed an amazing weekend fling. Energized from her weekend, Fenny was ready to take on directorial duties but discovered that she has been replaced by directing wunderkind, Jude. She wanted to hate him, but Fenny could not deny the energy between them. Caught in a sort of love-triangle, what will Fenny decide?

My reading had been rather slow this past week, but there was something about this book that had me devouring the pages. First, I was recognizing Fenny's friends, and sure enough, this book was set in the same world as What's in a Kiss? Obviously, I was excited to catch up with the gang, partake in their celebrations, and get to know Fenny better. It's always a special treat when I get to revisit characters I adored, but there was so much more to savor in The Spirit of Love.

First of all, I loved Fenny. She was funny and witty and bantered in a way you would expect a top notch TV writer to banter. The dialogue was truly sparkling, and I could often be seen grinning as I read it. The time on the set of the show was rather fun, except for when I was raging for Fenny. HOW DARE THEY!!! It felt good to feel so much passion for Fenny, and I loved rooting for her.

I also could not help rooting for Fenny and Jude. Yes, Sam was this amazing Labrador who gave Fenny a shot of confidence and opened her eyes to the wonders of nature, but Jude was...everything. The dynamic, the chemistry, the energy between him and Fenny was undeniable. And he had a grumpy dog he name Walter Matthau! I couldn't get enough of him, or Jude, or Fenny and Jude.

The supporting cast was fantastic as well. They added so much to the fun. Fenny had some amazing ride-or-die friends, and they quickly embraced Jude. Her sister and the kids were good for laughs as well. I liked basking in all their love and chaos and was happy Fenny had them all.

There was also a touch of magic in this tale. I will admit that I was glad I did not read the synopsis. It made that element of the story have greater mystery and for me, I felt the payoff was bigger because I went in blind. Regardless, the magical element was interesting and could be open to much interpretation.

Overall, I was delighted by this magical romance which filled me with glee.

I just finished The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate, and it truly swept me into a world where the magical and the emotional blended beautifully.

Even though I figured out the plot twist early on, it didn’t take away from the story's charm. If anything, it let me focus more on the emotional beats and the characters’ journeys, especially Fenny’s. She was driven and unapologetically after what she knew she deserved. Watching her fight for both her career and her heart was inspiring.

What really stuck with me were the feelings of heartache and hope—how they were woven through the story like a pulse. It tugged on all the right emotional strings in just the right ways.

Overall, The Spirit of Love delivered an enchanting mix of real emotions and mystical touches that made it a heartfelt, memorable read.

All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

This is a story about Fenny, her career, and her love life....but that's all I'm going to tell you. Go into this one blind! Trust me!

Here's what I liked:

Fenny: She's such a good character. You get to see so many different sides of her when it comes to her family and friends, her work, and her loves. All of this gives her so much depth.

The humor: The book was laugh out loud funny in so much of it. I adore books that can bring such humor to themselves. It's a true Romcom.

The magical realism: As with Kate's last book, this one has some magical realism to it. Don't ask questions on how this is all happening though, that's not important. Just enjoy the ride!

All in all, this was a really great romcom with a magical twist!

Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted copy!

Fenny is about to direct the TV show she's been a screenwriter for years, but to her shock, it's passed over to someone named Jude. To double the shock, she realizes that it's Sam, the same guy who she had a magical weekend with but somehow he looks older, sadder, & different. Can Sam and Jude be the same man? And if they are, will Fenny’s love be enough to put him back together?

This book reminded me so much of the movie "The Lake House." Split into 2 timelines, the plot deals with how Fenny falls in love with the same man during 2 different scenarios of her life. I think the best way to describe it is "You've Got Mail" with a travel travel twist.

It was one hell of a whimsical story, I enjoyed watching both the timelines unfold. Read to experience it because it's hard to describe ha!

<i>Thank you Netgalley & Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.<i>

Fenny is on the brink of a new adventure, stepping into the role of director, and she decides to take a refreshing getaway to the picturesque Catalina Island. With plans to camp on the beach and clear her mind, she seeks solace in nature. However, her serene retreat takes an unexpected turn when a fierce storm hits. Just when hope seems lost, a striking man named Sam appears, rescuing her and inviting her to ride out the tempest in his cozy cabin. Their weekend together is nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, deep conversations, and undeniable chemistry. But as the storm subsides, reality calls Fenny back to her life.

On her first day on set, Fenny is brimming with anticipation, only to be blindsided by the news that she won’t be directing after all. The producers have decided to hand the reins to the hottest up-and-coming director for the TV show. While she will still contribute as a writer, the change leaves her reeling. When she meets Jude, the new director, her heart races. The resemblance to Sam is uncanny, yet there's something distinct about him—he seems older and carries an air of mystery. Fenny is drawn to him in a way that feels both familiar and electrifying, and she can't shake the feeling that their paths were meant to cross.

This enchanting tale seamlessly weaves elements of magical realism with a compelling narrative. The story unfolds with just the right amount of mystery, keeping readers eager to uncover the truth. The banter and palpable chemistry between Fenny and Jude add layers of intrigue, making their connection irresistible. At its core, the book explores themes of choice, second chances, and the complexities of love—highlighting the journey of learning to love oneself while embracing the imperfections of others. Although it features characters from the author's previous work, “What’s in a Kiss?”, it stands strong as a standalone read. The romance is tastefully done, offering a blend of fade-to-black moments alongside candid discussions that make it far from a closed-door narrative. All in all, this book is a delightful, quick read that’s perfect for a summer escape!

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advanced copy of The Spirit Of Love.

Fenny is so excited to finally be directing but when she is replaced by the man she spent a magical weekend with she is totally shocked.

I could not connect with the characters or the book at all. This one was not for me.

Thanks to Putnam Books for the ARC of this one and to PRH Audio for the ALC! I have enjoyed books by this author in the past and was excited to dive into this one! The concept behind this book was a fun one and the little bit of magical realism reminded me of an Ashley Poston book. The book follows Fenny, a television writer who has worked her way up the ladder to direct the current show is working on. She spends one unforgettable weekend with a man and is ready to tackle the new challenge of directing. Unfortunately her excitement doesn't last long, since she immediately gets replaced by a new hot shot director. She really wants to dislike him, but he reminds her so much of the man from her unforgettable weekend.

This one was a good love story, but for me the details of the time slip and magic just were nut flushed out enough. I liked it but didn't love it. That being said, I will still look for other books by this author in the future!